4 big winners from the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft

Sam Howell – Commanders QB

Even though the Washington Commanders have been quick to highlight their confidence in Sam Howell throughout the offseason, there were many within the national media that projected those in power to take a quarterback at some stage during the 2023 NFL Draft. When Will Levis and Hendon Hooker fell much further than expected, speculation only increased regarding the possibility.

As it turned out, the Commanders were true to their word and look set to move forward with Howell in 2023. Tim DeMorat was signed in undrafted free agency, but he looks like a development project rather than someone that can compete for starting reps immediately.

Howell still needs to beat out Jacoby Brissett when training camp begins. But this is another significant confidence boost for the former fifth-round selection ahead of his second campaign in a professional environment.

Not picking a quarterback also indicates Howell got a formal seal of approval from Eric Bieniemy. Otherwise, the play might have been Hooker, who spent considerable time with the play-caller during Washington’s pre-draft assessments.

While the signs surrounding Howell are positive, this is still a precarious situation for the one-time North Carolina star. If he cannot seize the moment and provide an upgrade, Ron Rivera will be out of a job and the Commanders could draft another signal-caller from what looks to be a tremendous class next year.